Item description: “Report of Commander [John] Rodgers, U. S. Navy, of the sending the submarine propeller back to Fortress Monroe for further orders.”

The report discusses naval actions in support of the Union Army’s movements during the Seven Days Battle, but also shares concerns over the Union’s submarine, which the commander describes as “so terrible an engine, if employed against us, that if I retain her I must keep a strong force to guard her.” He also states that “in the hands of our enemies…[the submarine] might be used to blow up the Monitor, Galena, Minnesota, or whatever vessel should be advanced either in position or importance.”

To read more from the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, click here.